Morrow likely headed to 'pen when he returns

Morrow pitched a scoreless inning for Class A Advanced Dunedin on Wednesday before getting word of the promotion. He struck out one and didn't allow a hit in his first official appearance since injuring his right index finger on May 2.

There hasn't been any talk of Morrow rejoining the starting rotation upon his return, and it would appear as though his work will be limited to the bullpen.

"He pitched out of the 'pen in Seattle," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "You look at his stuff, that might be the ideal role for him. He's had so many [injuries], he gets banged up each year, maybe that's the route to go. Who knows?

"He has overpowering stuff, good fastball, great slider. Maybe maximize him that way."

Morrow could be entering his final month in a Blue Jays uniform. Toronto has a $10 million option on his contract next season, but it would appear unlikely that will get picked up.

The Blue Jays could explore bringing back Morrow for less money, but he would also be free to talk with other teams. The biggest selling point might be whether another team is open to the idea of offering him a starting role, because that's something Toronto doesn't appear willing to do.

Morrow has yet to pitch a full season since joining the rotation in 2010. During the past four years he's had a strained oblique, strained right forearm, back spasms and the finger issue. That has raised some questions about his overall durability and whether he might be best served pitching in shorter stints.

"You would hope he could start for you," Gibbons said. "But the last couple of years he has been banged up here. Maybe his body just can't hold up that way."

Rasmus back in lineup after brief illness

TORONTO -- Colby Rasmus made his return to the Blue Jays' lineup on Friday night after missing two games because of flu-like symptoms.

Rasmus was a late scratch for Tuesday's game against Boston after catching a bout of the flu. He took a few days to recover but was cleared in time for the series opener vs. the Yankees.

Toronto opted to ease Rasmus back into the lineup by giving him the start at designated hitter. Rookie Kevin Pillar made his third consecutive start in center field.

"He's feeling better," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said Friday afternoon. "Give him a little bit of a breather and still get him some at-bats."

Pillar is in the process of auditioning for a spot on next year's team. There is plenty of uncertainty with Toronto's outfielders next season, as Rasmus and Melky Cabrera are about to hit free agency, and that could open a spot for Pillar.

The most likely future role for Pillar is as a fourth outfielder, but in order to gain any long-term stability, he'll have to improve his patience at the plate. That's been an issue in the past, but it's something Gibbons says has seen some improvement in since Pillar's last stint in the Minors.

"I like the way he looks," Gibbons said. "It looks like he made some adjustments with his hands. I've said to these guys before, 'It's tough breaking into the big leagues.' When he's been here before, it's been kind of sporadic play, basically going with a platoon-type thing that makes it that much tougher, but he has earned his right for that opportunity to be here."

Worth noting

• Outfielder Nolan Reimold was claimed off waivers by the D-backs on Thursday. Reimold was designated for assignment earlier this week after hitting .212 with two homers and nine RBIs in 22 games.